1. Feed on demand, your baby only needs your colostrum and milk, but does need to be nursing often to fill that tiny tummy and bring in a good supply.
2. Be aware of the booby traps (institutional and cultural things that can trip up mamas), from the Best for Babes page.
3. Read this sweet letter on normal newborn behavior:
4. Know that bf babies grow at different rates than formula fed babies, (and have different growth charts, see the WHO ones), and that there are ways to effectively feed with a bottle, no matter what is in the bottle, as overfeeding is VERY common. This link is an excellent resource.
5. Have support! (this one is huge for me!) have a supportive, knowledgable (aka won’t suggest formula and will help you find answers) friend who you can call or text anytime when you have a question or need encouragement.
(If you don’t have a friend like this, that’s ok, meet your local La Leche Leader!)
6. Attend a La Leche League meeting before baby is born and/or introduce yourself to the leader(s). A meeting is a great way to see other moms nursing, ask questions, and have the leaders info so you are ready if and when you need them after baby is here. Find a group at llli.org.
7. Find a group of bf moms to get together with, be it LLL, a hospital group (can often attend those even if didn’t deliver there). You can get support and meet great friends for you and baby!
8. Know that few doctors have much training in bf, and may not give correct or current advice on bf or nutrition, not know that bf babies grow at different rates, or may make assumptions that you cannot bf if ___ happens. Rarely true. And many meds are safe, packages say otherwise to cover manufacturers’ butts! Know where to find correct info. On that note…
9. Know your resources to be able to advocate for you, baby, and the breastfeeding relationship. Kellymom, La Leche League, IBCLCs, The Leaky Boob blog and page, the InfantRisk center, the LactMed database.
10. Never quit on the worst day, and don’t let anyone stop you until you and baby are ready!